Jill Jacobson, the beloved actress best known for her roles on the iconic television series, 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' and 'Deep Space Nine', passed away at the age of 70 on December 8, 2023. She died at the Cedars-Sinai-affiliated Culver West Health Center in Los Angeles after battling a long illness, as confirmed by her publicist.
Born on February 15, 1953, Jacobson obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Texas at Austin, specializing in Radio-TV-Film/Performance. Following her graduation, she moved to Los Angeles where she was cast in the lead role of the cult classic film 'Nurse Sherri', marking the beginning of her acting career.
Jacobson made significant strides primarily via her roles on 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' and 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine', where her performances gained her recognition among fans of the franchise. Beyond the 'Star Trek' universe, she made appearances on popular television shows such as 'Hung', 'Newhart', 'Castle', and 'Who’s the Boss?', showcasing her range as an actress. Notably, she showcased her skills by simultaneously playing recurring roles on two shows: 'Falcon Crest' and 'The New Gidget'.
Reflecting on her time on set, her co-star from 'The New Gidget', Caryn Richman remarked, "Jill’s comic timing was brilliant. And her enthusiasm and love of life made our time together on set joyful." This sentiment resonates with many she worked with, as Jacobson was known for nurturing lifelong friendships throughout her career.
Jacobson's television credits extended to several other shows, including 'Crazy Like a Fox', 'Quantum Leap', 'Arliss', and 'Murphy Brown', which highlighted her remarkable versatility. She was also seen on the big screen, appearing in Ron Howard’s popular film 'Splash' and leading roles in various independent films. Her impressive career reached new heights with numerous stage performances and stand-up comedy routines at renowned venues such as The Improv and The Comedy Store.
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Jacobson was also dedicated to philanthropy. She was a spokesperson as well as an award recipient for her volunteer efforts with the American Cancer Society, utilizing her platform to advocate for important causes.
Jacobson is survived by her many relatives and friends, as well as her beloved dogs, Benny and Kowalski. Sadly, no memorial plans have been announced yet, leaving her fans and loved ones to mourn her passing privately.
The loss of Jill Jacobson is felt deeply within the entertainment community and among her fans worldwide. She touched the lives of many during her lifetime, and her contributions to both television and advocacy will not be forgotten.
